Just wanted to give a quick update and share some pictures from our summer. I absolutely cannot believe it is almost over.
Kamden and I took a quick trip to Sea World last week. My sister had a work trip, so we tagged along. It was good to have a few days to spend with my boy. He's growing up so fast. I wish I could freeze time.
Both the kids are ready to start school this year. It is very exciting to think Kendall will be attending 5 days a week. She has come so incredibly far this summer. I can't wait to watch those skills continue. She was learning a lot during summer school and really enjoying it. Good things ahead!
I have also accepted a job with Dallas ISD as a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired. I'm excited, anxious, and so ready to begin my new career journey. I never thought (after my 8 year break!) that I would ever be back in the school district. And Dallas Independent School District was never even an option! But sometimes things just feel right, and Lord knows I've learned to go with my gut! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to be back on a teacher's schedule too! Their calendar matches up perfectly with my kids'. I could write a novel about my experiences in Early Childhood Intervention this past summer. It wasn't the greatest for me. I didn't realize how emotionally involved I was in that program. The kids, families, and people I worked with were great. But I truly fear for the future of ECI in our area. Enough said. I can't say I wasn't warned...but I tend to go into things with rose colored glasses.
And my mom. She actually drove herself over to my house today! Hearing her voice as she entered my front door was music to my ears. She looks beautiful. Her scars are healing nicely. She has elected not to do the radiation the Dr.'s suggested. And I can't say that I blame her. She has been through enough.
I'll leave you with this video clip of Kendall eating independently. I have watched it over and over about a hundred times. Knowing that she can do this is a huge breakthrough for me. It also shows that she is an ornery little four year old and only does things when she wants to!
We are very open about our journey with Kendall. We're happy to answer any questions, and welcome all your comments! The one thing we don't want is to be isolated from our friends and family. I've been that person who thinks it is easier to just ignore a child with special needs and their family. I've feared hearing their story. I've been guilty of looking through a child with special needs. I've also thought and said "how on earth do you deal everyday?" Although it certainly isn't easy, we are a normal family...celebrating all the milestones our daughter hits (and maybe cheering a little louder in the process!) Let me tell you...it's been a long road with many bumps but the love and support we receive daily is what keeps us truckin'! Click here for the full story on our precious baby girl Kendall Ann, or scroll down for the quick recap! Thanks for visiting!
music together
more music please!
clearly before keto diet and diabetes
About Kendall...
Kendall Ann has blessed our lives in so many ways. She is truly a gift from God and has proven herself to be a fighter from the beginning. She was born with many neurological and optical abnormalities, which we now know is due to a stroke in utero...probably due to her Factor V Leiden mutation and two copies of the MTHFR gene (1-14-09).Oh, and NOW she has Type 1 Diabetes (8-19-09) And NOW (12-16-10) she has problems with her Mitochondria ... and NOW (2-11-13) a neurogenic bladder resulting in a vesicostomy. Of course there is apossibility of a Mitochondrial Disorder, and a possibility CDLK5 caused all the problems and Mito secondary...but we will never know, because we've decided no more testing! When she was born she came right home...no NICU stay...and we had no idea anything was wrong! She has undergone numerous hospital stays and a number of surgeries, but through it all, she has maintained a smile that wins the hearts of everyone who meets her. Please join us in our journey of life with a special little girl full of spunk and personality who happens to have multiple disabilities.
I like to say I'm a party- girl-turned-career-girl-turned-stay-at-home-mom to a son who's gifted and talented, and a daughter with special needs. My hubby levels me out, and I'm a lucky girl to have found him.(I kissed a lot of frogs!)
I love my life and all it's chaos. My family and close knit group of friends help me get through every day! I'm getting better accepting that God's plan isn't always my plan...and alcohol sometimes helps :)